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In the UK, designing a Paragraph 55 project can be difficult, but getting permission to produce it is next to impossible. Recently, award-winning architectural practice (and Vectorworks user) Squirrel Design made the impossible possible with not one, but two Para 55 projects: The Nimbus in Cornwall, England and Hux Shard in Devon, England. These projects have set this father-and-son firm apart from the rest.

Rendering of the Nimbus project in Cornwall, England.

About the FirmMichael O’Connor, his son, Alex O’Connor, and Darrell Willcocks form the core of this successful firm. The Squirrel Design team has been based in Dartmoor National Park for the last 30 years and focuses on contemporary design of large, residential projects in prestigious locations. The firm’s location has given the team a wealth of additional skills, knowledge, and experience working with Listed Buildings, Ancient National Monuments, and conservation work.

The Squirrel Design team has always pushed architectural boundaries with creativity, ensuring each design is better than the last. With the help of Vectorworks softwareand trainer Jonathan Reeves of JR Architecture Ltd, they continue to find success. We recently spoke with Michael O’Connor about his experiences.

Reeves has served as a helpful resource for Squirrel Design. “The great thing about Jonathan is that he understands what we are doing, why we are doing it, and how we are using the software for our architectural processes,” said O’Connor.

“It is comforting to know that Jonathan is just a phone call away if we need him,” he added, describing the invaluable assistance Jonathan provides.O’Connor has used Vectorworks since its first incarnation the 1980s and said the program’s compatibility with Mac computers and its ability to create detailed, 3D images was exactly what the firm needed. When he realized how much quicker, easier, and more accurate the Vectorworks drawings were compared to hand sketches, he was sold. “I couldn’t wait to get started,” he said.He originally looked at other programs, such as AutoCAD and ARCHICAD, but decided Vectorworks better suited the firm’s needs. “At that time, AutoCAD was really clunky and better suited for engineering or manufacturing purposes,” he explained. Today, the design team often sketches out ideas and quickly moves into 3D modeling in the software. “We get the shape and form of the building in Vectorworks and it starts coming together,” said O’Connor. The team then adds details in Vectorworks. “In this early stage, we use the sketch rendering mode in the program for the first round of presentation, so it still looks like it’s in a concept stage, and we use that to talk to clients and planners,” he adds. But the team greatly benefits from working in 3D, as all the modeling information is available in the design from the beginning.​About the Para 55 ProjectsParagraph 55 refers to a set of requirements within the UK’s National Planning Policy Framework that allows for building a home in the countryside if the design is “of exceptional quality or innovative nature.”

Squirrel Design’s two approved Para 55 projects, the Hux Shard and the Nimbus, are both extremely complex designs, and the firm needed a presentation tool that was robust enough to accurately and impressively share them. Vectorworks played an important role in the high level of presentation to obtain approval for such projects.“The presentation was key to getting the concepts out of our heads and in front of the planners, designers, public, and Design Review Panel,” said O’Connor. “For this, Vectorworks was particularly useful, especially with its advanced 3D visualization features.”​Another benefit of using Vectorworks on the Hux Shard project was the ability to use one 3D model for elevations, layouts, and communication with the engineers, landscape architect, and interior designer.

An inside view of the Hux Shard project.

He explained that obtaining permissions for a Para 55 house is like the Holy Grail of architectural achievement, which is why being granted two in succession is such a huge win for Squirrel Design. “It truly puts you into the premier architectural league,” he said.

Completing a Para 55 project comes with a number of tests, one of which requires the design to “reflect the highest standards of architecture.”​“To get a building off the ground, we are not going to take any shortcuts,” said Michael. “We will see it all the way through.” This mindset proved instrumental when their projects were deemed both architecturally outstanding andinnovative, with a focus on sustainability. Rather than sucking energy from the country and negatively impacting wildlife habitats, these buildings will improve the biodiversity around them and actually produce more energy than it consumes.

An inside view of the Nimbus project.

O’Connor describes the Hux Shard as “a sculpture in the countryside. When you’re approaching it, you don’t even realize that it’s a house.” It is important for architects to be able to share where their Para 55 design concept inspiration came from. “The Hux Shard structure was influenced by the tors (rocky outcrops) in our Dartmoor base, while the Nimbus concept was inspired by the mining history in Cornwall, which is why it will mostly be made from corrugated iron and natural stone,” explained O’Connor.​The firm is also building a legacy of design in the next generation of architects. The firm provides work experience to students from Atrium Studio School in Devon, which focuses on the built environment, and the Para 55 projects become part of the educational process.

The proposed floor layout for the Hux Shard project.

Congrats to Squirrel Design on this impressive achievement. We look forward to seeing what comes next for this inventive firm.​To learn more about Squirrel Design and its Paragraph 55 projects, visit the firm'swebsite.

Jonathan Reeves has been invited present at this years Baltimore Vectorworks Design Summit

Global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. invites professionals, educators and students in the AEC, landscape and entertainment industries to attend the third annual Vectorworks Design Summit from September 18 to 20, 2017 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel in MD. The conference includes three days of industry sessions, tech support, networking events and inspiring keynotes, as well as hands-on training opportunities to arm designers with the resources to improve their company’s bottom line.​To see the full list of sessions and to register, please visit vectorworks.net/design-summit.

JONATHAN REEVESDirectorJonathan Reeves ArchitectureJonathan Reeves has spent the last 20 years at the forefront of digital architecture and related fields. His book, “Innovative Vectorworks BIM,” is a must-read for anyone involved or interested in the process of building information modeling and digital architecture. Architects, designers, and students will find this volume a gold mine of information on Vectorworks software-based BIM. It is replete with case studies from a fascinating range of SME architectural practices and illuminates the reader with practical and personal stories of BIM journeys.jr-architecture.co.uk

INNOVATIVE VECTORWORKS BIMJonathan ReevesBuilding information modeling (BIM) is a fast evolving aspect of the construction industry. The session Innovative Vectorworks BIM, based on presenter Jonathan Reeves’ book of the same name, provides unique insight into how innovative architectural practices have already started their journeys with BIM using the powerful features of Vectorworks software, as well as providing many helpful insights into tried-and-tested BIM workflows.​LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Examine case study examples of BIM workflows

Investigate BIM’s suitability for small projects.

Evaluate the merits of transitioning to a 3D workflow.

Recognize common workflows for moving from 2D to 3D.

Building information modelling (BIM) is a fast evolving aspect of the construction industry.Innovative Vectorworks BIM provides a unique insight into how innovative architectural practices have already started their journeys with BIM and discusses the major new features in Vectorworks 2016, as well as providing many helpful insights into tried a tested BIM workflows.

Practical advice and tipsThe second part offers hands-on practical advice to empower you to improve your design skills with 50 tips and tricks for Vectorworks Architect and also looks at some of the major new features of the latest release.

This book is essential reading to all those who want to understand more about BIM and Vectorworks

​Vectorworks CAD & BIM training, sales and visualisation for architects by architects ​Architect and Professional Vectorworks trainer Jonathan Reeves presenting at the BIM Design day show you some of the great new Vectorworks 2017 features and workflows.

Building information modelling (BIM) is a fast evolving aspect of the construction industry. Innovative Vectorworks BIM provides a unique insight into how innovative architectural practices have already started their journeys with BIM and discusses the major new features in Vectorworks 2016, as well as providing many helpful insights into tried a tested BIM workflows.

Practical advice and tipsThe second part offers hands-on practical advice to empower you to improve your design skills with 50 tips and tricks for Vectorworks Architect and also looks at some of the major new features of the latest release.

Building information modelling (BIM) is a fast evolving aspect of the construction industry. Innovative Vectorworks BIM provides a unique insight into how innovative architectural practices have already started their journeys with BIM and discusses the major new features in Vectorworks 2016, as well as providing many helpful insights into tried a tested BIM workflows.

Practical advice and tipsThe second part offers hands-on practical advice to empower you to improve your design skills with 50 tips and tricks for Vectorworks Architect and also looks at some of the major new features of the latest release.

Computers Unlimted have created an excellent demonstration and helpful learning resource for users interested in Vectorworks BIM workflows. To see the full presentation click here:-​http://bit.ly/cube2016

Innovative Vectorworks BIM is still available in hard copy with 125 pages of beautifully illustrated case studies and Vectorworks tips.Buy it here for only £29.99: http://bit.ly/1RPlFr1 See the Architosh review here: http://bit.ly/1Jpr7yp

This a presentation taken from the recent Vectorworks Design Summit in London. Jonathan Reeves shows how he works on a number of award winning & interesting Vectorworks BIM projects.​Please let me know if you would you be interested in ordering my new book Innovative Vectorworks BIM with 50 Hints and tips for Vectorworks Architect now available for an introductory special offer price of £29.99 +£3.95 P&P. (Normal RRP is £49.99)